FROM CRASH TO COURTROOM: EXPERT ADVICE ON HEAD-ON COLLISIONS IN TEXAS  

Head-on collisions are dangerous—and they can be deadly. In 2021, this type of collision accounted for over 10% of fatal crashes in the United States. In 2022, head-on collisions in Texas killed 636 people. Even those who survive can experience significant injuries and other damage. 

Do you know what to do if you’re involved in a Texas head-on collision? Our step-by-step guide can help you navigate this challenging situation.  

Working with a lawyer means you can pursue compensation after a devastating event. Angel Reyes & Associates is here to help. 

WHAT IS A HEAD-ON COLLISION?  

Sometimes called frontal collisions, head-on collisions happen when two cars going opposite directions hit one another. The positioning and travel direction of the vehicles distinguish this type of crash from a rear or angled collision.  

The term may also describe collisions when a single vehicle strikes a stationary object or pedestrian headfirst.  

COMMON INJURIES 

Because of the direct, head-on impact, these types of collisions are some of the most devastating in terms of injuries. Besides the typical car accident injuries like whiplash and bruising, drivers or passengers in a head-on collision might experience:  

• Skull fractures 

• Facial injuries 

• Broken bones 

• Spinal injuries  

• Traumatic brain injuries  

• Blunt force trauma  

• Burns  

Those involved may also experience severe internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ lacerations.  

COMMON CAUSES 

Improper passing often causes head-on collisions, particularly in areas with tight turns or low visibility. Attempting to pass a vehicle by crossing over double yellow lines, for example, increases the risk of colliding with a car going the opposite direction.  

Like with other accident types, any type of distracted or reckless driving can cause an accident. Collisions may occur because of fatigued driving, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or speeding. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A HEAD-ON COLLISION?  

After a head-on collision, you should take immediate action to ensure the best outcome possible. Take these steps to protect yourself.  

SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT 

After an accident, safety should be a top priority. Seek immediate medical attention at the scene, particularly for any severe or life-threatening injuries. Document any injuries you sustain to receive proper medical care and keep records for a legal case. 

After the incident, continue to receive medical treatment for any issues caused by the accident, as medical records are an important part of pursuing a personal injury case.  

REPORT THE ACCIDENT 

State law requires that most vehicle collisions must be reported to the authorities in Texas. If the collision resulted in any injuries or fatalities, if the vehicles cannot be moved, or if the collision caused property damages over $1,000, you must file a police report.  

You should contact the authorities and let them determine whether the situation meets these conditions rather than making a judgment call yourself. A police report is a key piece of evidence in a personal injury case should you need to recover compensation. 

CONTACT LAWYERS AND INSURANCE PROVIDERS 

After an accident, you typically need to inform your insurance provider about the event. Insurance claims may also serve as evidence in a legal case, so you’ll want to consult with your attorney about when to reach out and what to share with your insurance provider. 

Of course, after an accident, you should also contact a lawyer. Speaking to a lawyer right away can help you build the strongest possible case should you need to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can tell you what kind of records to keep, what to tell your insurance company, and how to proceed in other ways so that you get the justice you deserve. 

WHO IS AT FAULT IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION?  

In Texas, fault in car accidents is determined by proportionate responsibility. This concept means that one party does not automatically receive all the fault in an accident; both drivers may bear some responsibility.  

In head-on collisions, one party is typically driving in the wrong direction. They would likely be deemed liable or at fault for the accident. However, those reviewing the case may consider whether they had good reason for their actions, such as swerving out of the way of an even more dangerous situation or improper road signage. 

Their responsibility may also lessen if both drivers somehow contributed to the accident. For example, if both drivers were driving in the wrong direction, or one driver’s speeding or reckless behavior contributed to the collision, they may share proportional responsibility. However, only one party can typically win damages.  

As long as your responsibility is found to be less than 50%, you typically can take legal action to recover damages after a head-on collision. A plaintiff may not recover damages if the court determines their fault is greater than 50%.  

HOW DO YOU SEEK COMPENSATION AFTER A COLLISION?  

You can seek compensation after a collision through a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer will help you litigate against the at-fault party in a civil case. This step involves bringing evidence about the accident and your expenses to the court.  

Compensation is determined based on who is found to be at fault in an accident. Part of the case will involve proving who was at fault. Police records, witness testimony, and videos or photos of the incident can establish what happened and why.  

You can recover compensation for costs related to: 

• Medical expenses, both past and future  

• Lost income  

• Damage to your car or other property  

• Pain and suffering  

Your lawyer will present evidence to show how much the accident has cost you, such as medical bills and car repair bills, to determine the amount of damages. Texas uses the multiplier method to assess the amount of pain and suffering, taking the total economic damage and multiplying it by a rate (typically between 1.5 and 5) based on the accident’s severity. 

CASE CALCULATOR 

The total amount you can recover for a severe accident, such as a head-on collision, may be significant. In previous cases at Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve recovered over a billion dollars for our clients and are ready to fight for you, too. On average, our clients have received nearly $3.5 million per case. 

Use our Case Calculator to see what kind of compensation is possible. 

LEGAL EXPERTISE FROM REYES BROWNE LAW  

If you’ve been injured or otherwise sustained harm in Texas in a head-on collision, you shouldn’t have to navigate the situation alone. The attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates have decades of experience, and we focus all our efforts on car accident cases. We’ll work closely with you to serve as your advocate and source of support throughout the process. 

Contact us today to pursue justice after a head-on collision in Texas.